Great food. Good pours. Big back room dining area. My new go to place. Young ownership. Try it you'll love it

Yumm! We love coming here for dinner so much that we had them cater our wedding. The beef tips and calamari are so tasty we've even had them as a meal. You can never go wrong with the Casalinga, hearty Italian meal that is also great the next day for lunch. read more

This was my first time at this restaurant and it lived up to the high praise that I had heard. There were 8 in our party, and we sat in the front part of the restaurant and we we served by Alex. She was very attentive and took care of every request we had. Our meals were excellent from the pasta dishes to the pizzas. I highly recommend it. read more

LOVE this place! Sat at the bar for lunch. Had the artichokes and meatballs off the appetizer menu. Authentic Italian. Looking forward to coming back. Great food and great service read more

I am writing a review (which I have never done before) because i happened to cross this page while looking for another restaurants menu and it made me question why I have ever listened to restaurant reviews at all... because Bologna is our absolute favorite date night restaurant, the food is always amazing and the atmosphere is quaint and cozy. We first went to bologna years ago when all the other restaurants in downtown Rochester had over an hour and a half waitlist, we were sat instantly at bologna (it was newer then, but we have never had to wait for a table still to this day because of its size it is kind of tucked away). We fell in love with the delicious italian food and perfect quiet date night atmosphere. Since, we have recommended this place to MANY people for date nights, special anniversary dinners, people who just wanted yummy italian, and ALL of them have thanked us for our recommendation and said they loved it! We also have spent many family birthday dinners or other family celebrations here... all members have also loved their food as well and have continued to go back on their own time. Please don't listen to all the reviews you read, I am shocked at the negative reviews given to this restaurant that we love so much, and we are such food people! We love to go to super tasty restaurants near home and when on vacation, and I will definitely not be listening to reviews to pick where we go from here on out (because of what some people said about this one that are just not true, i.e.- "cant decide if its a sports bar or upscale restaurant"? what? It is the cutest little place... I believe there is only one tv behind the bar, but they definitely cant fit more than that so I don't know what that person is talking about, he must have his restaurants mixed up?) Some favorite dishes we love at Bologna: Fig n pig flatbread appetizer Gnocchi palomino Casalinga Also, the table bread and oil dip is yummy & the wine selection is great! I hope you enjoy this restaurants as much as we do, give it a try and you wont be disappointed! read more

Went to dinner last night with friends, first time at Bologna. I was not impressed with the loaf of bread, kind of bland, however I thought the rosemary dipping sauce was pretty decent. My wife and I ordered the clam chowder, and it was very good. Our friends ordered the caprese salad, and it looked appetizing. My wife ordered a pizza and it was decent, but not fantastic, which I was hoping for. I ordered a pasta dish, and the pasta was over cooked and chewy. Seemed it was over complicated, and all the flavors just combined into one single taste. Not too excited about it. Service, however, was very good, thanks to Julie. Bologna is going to have to up their game a bit if they are going to continue to compete in the Rochester market. read more

We chose this place to celebrate our wedding anniversary for its cozy charm and downtown location with street-view window. We were made to feel extremely comfortable and welcome from the moment we were seated. Being our first time here, we didn't know what to expect food-wise, but everything was absolutely incredible. The service, the food, the ambience, the wine. The bolognese sauce was the best I ever tasted in my life, and I'm Italian. Since it was a special occasion, we splurged on decadent appetizers (scallops in some delectable reduction) and fancy dinner specials (Quail knots!). Nothing disappointed but surprised us with over-the-top deliciousness. Will definitely be returning!! read more

I have been to the other 2 Bologna's, the one in Clarkston and the one on the East side ,both very good.Last night I went to the one in Rochester hills, my wife's order was so salty she had to send it back.I ordered the Short Ribs which were at market price, these ribs were dry and flavorless they did not reflect the price of $36.When the waiter finally asked me why I wasn't eating my dish (she thought I was waiting for my wife's new order to come back) I told her it wasn't very good.She did ask me If I wanted to take it home,I replied if I wouldn't eat it here I definitely won't eat it at home.But all is good because they gave me a free desert.This place should not charge gourmet prices for anything.Very disappointed read more

If I could give 0 stars I absolutely would. My family and I went here for dinner right before Christmas and we knew we'd have to wait for a table seeing as how we had a party of 7. The restaurant is nice, just very small and narrow. After 90 minutes we finally got a table. When our server came to get our drink order we mentioned we were ready to order our food too since we had looked at the menu. I wish I could have captured the look of disgust that appeared on her face. She responded with "I suppose I could do that..." but clearly was less than thrilled. So we start ordering our food and when I mentioned my husband and I would be on a separate check she again gave a dirty look and said "well, I can see what I can do but I don't know if I can do that." Now, I used to work in a restaurant for four years and I've never known a server who would say that let alone not appreciate the heads up. After our orders were finally placed my brother went to use the restroom. He passed by the kitchen and overheard our server telling another employee that "we were a demanding table." Needless to say, I do not believe we were demanding. Other than her poor customer service the food was decent and included bread which is always nice. The hostess kept our waters refilled which was great too. Definitely won't be going back however. read more

Fantastic wine list. The carbonara was ok, but honestly the noodles were too soft and I make a better one

Small space with lots of energy! Instead of waiting for a table we had dinner at the bar. Quick service, great meal!

This is becoming one of my favorite places in Rochester. I had the halibut special, which was excellent, and it was plated quite nicely. I especially appreciated the attention to detail in the proper making of my cocktail (vesper martini). The scallop appetizer is also very tasty. Prompt and friendly service. Maybe I should keep this little spot a secret... It's only getting better. read more

Went here last night and was very impressed. The food was very good and tasted very fresh. The portion size was decent for the price. I definitely will be back read more

Amazing service and sensational food! The tenderloin tips were out of this world, as well as the peach filet. Our server Kim was so kind and helpful. We'll definitely be back again!! read more

The Casalinga is great! They also have a great carry out menu. Worth a stop if in the area.

We live in downtown Rochester and this is our favorite restaurant. Great food, very friendly staff. I never hesitate to recommend this place! read more

The service was great. Slow until some tables cleared out, but great. The bartender made solid Negroni cocktails and was playing some jazzy jams that we were loving. The food was very nice. Bread with oil & vinegar, salads, gnocchi, good wine. We'll be back. read more

Awesome place! Romantic atmosphere, great staff and awesome food! Try the eggplant rollatini and burrata salad appetizers delicious!!!

My wife & decided to stay close to home for a Friday night dinner recently. Bologna is just up the road from us in downtown Rochester. We arrived around 7PM on a Friday night and were told the wait was about 30 minutes. This gave us enough time to stroll around downtown until they called my cell to tell me that our table was available. The interior is small but cozy. It reminded us of many smaller boutique bistro's we've eaten at in D.C., Chicago, NYC or Boston. We were traded to a loaf of fresh-baked bread and dipping sauce. It was tasty but we both agreed that we prefer olive oil with spices & herbs as opposed t adding a vinaigrette to the dip. It was a tad bit overpowering. I ordered the Traverse City Chicken and it was delicious. However the portion was huge! I took half of it home. I would have opted for more sides and a smaller portion in the future. The service was very professional and friendly. We will definitely be back! read more

Growing up eating Italian, this place definitely nails it. A little cramped inside, but has a European feel. Great for an intimate date night with some creative entrees and desserts. read more

I absolutely adore this place! Everything about it is just top notch. Phenomenal food, delicious drinks, extensive wine list, friendly/fun servers (shout out to Sara for being awesome!) The atmosphere is simple yet very sweet and great for a date night. But the food is the most important part obviously, and like I said, it's just really freakin good. This is probably the first yelp review I've ever written so you know it must be good because I just had to jump on here and rave about it! I hope everyone in the area gets to try this place out. If you love Italian you won't regret it. And I mean who doesn't love Italian? read more

My wife and I had a very enjoyable dinner here tonight. We were seated immediately in the front dining room around 6:30. It was very quiet so we could carry on a normal conversation without shouting. Also enjoyed that families with children were seated in the back dining room. Had a carafe of the house red wine (should have ordered 1/2 carafe) and we shared the Casalinga, which was huge and excellent. It came with a Caesar salad and fresh bread which was excellent. Very relaxing and we will be back! read more

Casual hip Italian. Cool atmosphere, narrow brick building, reclaimed barn wood tables, good music, great food. The bar was loud and packed but meeting people/people watching is half the fun. There was a dining room in the back that looked quieter. No reservations and they don't seat till whole party is present. It's small so I guess I can't blame them. Enjoyed a Last Word at the bar while waiting for my friends. read more

Excellent! Great service and atmosphere! Food is phenomenal. Second time dining there. If I had to complain about something, it would be that the portions are too large. read more

We went to dinner here and they seated us in the back room. There was another party of about 6+ people in the same room. We sat for about 20 minutes and no one helped us. We watched the taller brunette waitress wait on the other table at least 3 times, without acknowledging us. Finally, the man from the bar area came and took our drink orders (I believe this guy may be an owner, but I would be disappointed if he were because he never apologized for our wait time or bad service.) We waited another 15 minutes for our drinks and for the waitress to even take an order for appetizers. 35 minutes with no actual waitress or an apology seems absurd to me. When she got to us, she could tell we were slightly off-put, and seemed extremely irritated. She didn't apologize for the wait or introduce herself. This went on for another hour and 20 minutes. The guy even had to check on us again because for some reason the waitress did not see it to be important to wait on us. The food and prices are both average. They try to up-sell you on certain drinks and appetizers, but those items were not anything special. We have not been back since and will not be returning. read more

Let me just say the first time my husband and I went to Bologna in Rochester it was FANTASTIC in fact I told everyone to go there I knew! The bartender at the time was fantastic, he was personable, fun and made the night enjoyable! Second time we came with friends, food was ok, but the waitress accidentally dropped a plate with sauce that spattered on my blouse and my husbands shirt, she offered to bring us beverages, but we noticed they were on our bill...hmmmm, ok Third time we sat at the bar again thinking our wonderful bartender would be there, sadly he wasn't :( the girl bartender was missing the boat at keeping the customers attention, very monotone, lack of excitement or customer interaction...lousy! The food basically came all at once, there must have been a new chef, the meal was horrible! I took two bites of the fettuccine alfredo was paste, I took it home to doctor it up! I'm surprise at the lack of quality. We will not be back! Sorry Joe, for $80+ dollars for 2 people was very disappointing! Get your old chef back as well as the previous bartender! read more

Tried the new Bologna Via Cucina tonight in Rochester and had a great meal. It's a small restaurant in the front, but there is additional seating in the back. Nice atmosphere, great lighting and booth seating. Really enjoyed our food... meatballs, beat salad, traverse city chicken salad, and wild salmon with shrimp risotto. Love that they offer wild salmon instead of farm raised. Lots of gluten free options. Great wine list with options in all price ranges. Looking forward to visiting again and trying more food. read more

Food was very good. The waitress was awesome and food was delivered faster then I anticipated. Only suggestion would b to find better bread. My sisters chicken dish was soooo good. Wine and pasta very good too. read more

Went there to celebrate my birthday...host wouldn't seat us until other two friends joined us, even though they were just trying to find parking spot; no place to sit or stand comfortably..very small bar. Finally got sat in the back room...tables MUCH to close together; took too long to get first round of drinks and food cool instead of hot upon arrival. Will definitely not go back! read more

Fresh from scratch great Italian food at a good price. the bread is amazing! Everyone must try it! Good service and atmosphere. It's a good fit for Rochester it something different for a change read more

Got served raw chicken and cold lasagna for my wife. I have been here at least half a dozen times and the service is just sub par and management is rude when you finally tell them something went wrong. read more

The restaurant atmosphere is really great, and actually the service was awesome. The restaurant was about 40% full at 6pm on a Friday night, so that made us wonder when we walked in, but we ate there anyways. Overall the rating is based on the fact that the food had no flavor, I mean none! I got a margarita pizza, and for one it had tons of sesame seeds all over the crust which is really strange, and tasted terrible; also margarita pizzas usually have garlic and olive oil base or marinara, but I couldn't taste anything..no flavor. My husband had the Alfredo Chicken dinner and it was terrible as well...just tasted like milk.Its unfortunate that the restaurant is so cute, and the service is so great, because the food is terrible. read more

I understand Black Bird Bistro is closed so we decided lets give Bologna a chance. Terrible mistake. Hands down the worst food experience. Poor quality ingredients from soup, salad, pizza and desert. I am embarrassed to have served it to my friends and disappointed with Bologna. read more

Disappointing. We are regular customers of Via Bologna in Waterford and have always had great food and service. We decided to meet up with friends at the Rochester location as it was 1/2 way point for us to meet and I recommended we go there as my experience at the Waterford location was always superb. Service was ridiculously bad, we were seated around 6PM on Saturday night and advised that they had run out of bread loaves but our waiter suggested that maybe he could convince manager to get some bread from across street?? Eventually waiter came back and indicated they were now making more bread and would have to us shortly (it took 30 min). I noticed bread started to come out to tables with other waitress with patrons who arrived after us and went to locate our waiter to get some bread on table and he provided shortly after. Once meal was provided I had asked the waiter if he could provide pepper and grated Parmesan cheese for the Cesar salad that I had ordered. He came by shortly and dropped off salt & pepper shakers(apparently I should of been more specific and asked for pepper mill, but this is an Italian restaurant after all) but I was talking at the time and did not catch him before leaving to other area in restaurant. After about 15 min with no show, I approached another waitress with a pepper mill and asked if she could provide the service and she obliged. At this time still waiting for the grated Parmesan I had to go locate waiter to get it. There were other issues as well with quality of service but perhaps waiter was new. I will not be returning nor recommending this restaurant to friends and family. read more

Excellent place. Strawberry crostini, chicken Malibu, and pasta palamino are all excellent . Great service .

Came on yelp to get a good recommendation for a nearby Italian restaurant... found this one looked very promising..... found out I was wrong. Came to the restaurant with my family and got seated right away no problem. Got to the table got our drinks, we only had to ask for a beer glass 3 times to actually get one.... later we waited an hour and a half and finally got our food it looked very promising........ FREEZING COLD:(((. We had to send back at least 4 of our entrees.Even when they brought it back out "warm" it wasn't even that tasty..... Later it was one of my family members birthday and they brought out a little brownie?? Jk we just asked and it was a "lava cake" with no runny center or anything, and ice cream, how could they mess this up?? Well the middle of the "brownie" was COLD and of course so was the ice cream!! Very disappointed don't recommend. read more

Weak at best. Service was poor, slow and unresponsive. Shrimp pasta and wedding soup were both good, but the calamari and Caesar salad were among the worst we've ever had. Glass of wine was about a half-pour. We'll call this our first and last visit. read more

Great little spot in downtown Rochester with delicious Italian food! There is a nice little side with a bar area if you want to grab a cocktail, or a quant dining room if you want to sit down for a meal. There's also a great coffee shop next door. Definitely recommend visiting! read more

This place used to be one of our favorites, but it has gone down hill, and in my opinion is at the bottom of it. Last night we ordered the Diavolo Pasta with chicken, gluten free. Not only was the chicken very old, over-cooked and rubber like (exactly as if just microwaved from a prior day), but my wife quickly reacted to the gluten while we were there and following the meal, apparently the meal had gluten cross contamination as well. When we mentioned the rubber chicken to the hostess and our server, instead of immediately replacing the dish as any reputable restaurant would do without asking, they asked us to pick out the chicken and offered a bowl to put it in. Entirely inappropriate. The automatic response should be replace it and obviously not charge for the clearly botched meal. We do not got out to dinner to filter our meal for trash, then suffer the consequences of "gluten free" false advertising. They did take $4 off the $18 dish, but most restaurants would have taken it off the bill altogether to offset the negative experience (and to avoid reviews like this). Next time you are in downtown Rochester, my recommendation would be to go to one of the other great spots in the area. read more

The atmosphere is great, it has a very cute setting. The service was also excellent. We got steak bites as an appetizer and they were great. As entrees we got the traverse chicken which we were not impressed with, the chicken itself was good but the sauce was very different and we weren't a fan. We also got meat ravioli which I would NOT advise getting. It was obviously frozen ravioli with frozen meat on the inside. It was visually unappealing and it tasted awful. We got the volcano dessert which I recommend getting! Overall, this place is just OK. We will however be coming back to give the entrees a second try. read more